Vodafone, 3 reassure customers on pricing plans

A merger between Vodafone and 3 in Australia won't the pricing of customers' current mobile plans for at least two years, according to a statement released by the companies.

Vodafone Australia and Hutchison 3G Australia (which trades as 3) said customers who have signed up to 24-month contracts on either Vodafone or 3 will not be affected by the merger. The post-merger company is set to be trading as Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA) by mid-2009.

The companies have also assured potential customers that the ability to acquire devices for $0 on 24-month contracts will not be affected, applying to both mobile phone and mobile broadband services.

The statement comes on the back of an ACCC warning that the merger could lead to increased prices for mobile telephony and mobile broadband.

"We want to be clear that, following the merger, Vodafone and 3 will remain extremely competitive and continue to provide great value to customers", said Nigel Dews of 3.

"We’re happy to reassure our customers with a public commitment that if the merger proceeds as intended, no plan will be withdrawn from market for the next two years."

Dews also said that “VHA will be a stronger mobile operator that is better positioned to compete in the Australian telecommunications market", but refused to announce VHA's full roadmap of handset and mobile broadband products and prices for "competitive reasons".

The screen was particularly good. It is bright and visible from most angles, however heat is an issue, particularly around the Windows button on the front, and on the back where the battery housing is located.

My first impression after unboxing the Q702 is that it is a nice looking unit. Styling is somewhat minimalist but very effective. The tablet part, once detached, has a nice weight, and no buttons or switches are located in awkward or intrusive positions.

Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of IDG Communications is prohibited. Copyright 2013 IDG Communications.
ABN 14 001 592 650. All rights reserved.

Contact Us

With over 25 years of brand awareness and credibility, Good Gear Guide (formerly PC World Australia), consistently delivers editorial excellence through award-winning content and trusted product reviews.